Visions of Deception

Chapter Thirty-Five:

Severus reached his quarters in record time. He nearly slid into the wall but said the password just in time to avoid the collision. The door swung open and he ran to his bedchamber without bothering to close it. Perched on the post of his bed was an owl. It looked at him as if it had been waiting for some time.

"Who sent you?" Severus said to the owl as he untied the letter from its leg. As soon as it had been relieved of duty the owl flew off. Severus got a bad feeling about this letter and he unrolled it quickly.

Severus,

Hello old friend. I am requesting your assistance. I would be eternally grateful if you would bring Aryana to the shrieking shack on Halloween night by midnight so that she may be dealt with as I see fit. As a fellow death eater I am sure you realize that refusing to aid me will result in your death as well as hers.

P. P.

Severus' hands were shaking by the time he had finished reading the letter. Peter expected him to deliver Liliann. He could not do that to her but if he refused than Peter would probably discover his hidden agenda. He shook his head and shoved the letter into his robes. He didn't have time to think about this right now, he had to get back to Liliann. Walking over to his small stash of potions he took what he needed and sprinted back to Remus' quarters.

* * * * *

Liliann was just starting to open her eyes when Severus returned. Remus and Sirius were standing beside the sofa staring at her intently.

"Has she awakened?" Severus inquired as soon as he entered the room.

"Just starting to open her eyes now," Remus said. He moved to the side to allow Severus to be close to her. She blinked a few times and looked around the room and then to Severus. He already had the bottle of potion open and ready for her to drink. He held the bottle to her lips and she drank the potion before she attempted to speak.

"You're going to take me to him," she said to Severus. He blinked and looked at her in shock. "You got a letter didn't you?" she said.

"Just now," he said removing the letter from the confines of his robes and showing it to her.

"Is that all you saw?" Severus pushed.

"No," she said. "I saw you leading me from the Halloween feast to the womping willow tree. Somehow it moved and we walked down a secret passageway but we weren't alone. There was a big black dog and a wolf with us, but they were hiding behind us. Just before we reached our destination you rendered the dog and wolf invisible to everyone but yourself, them to each other, and me. We went into a strange and beat up old looking shack. Peter was there." She stopped and took a deep breath. The potion had begun to work on her and she wanted to finish telling them about the vision before she fell asleep.

"Was there anything else?" Severus asked. He helped her sit up and Remus brought her a glass of water. Taking a sip she continued.

"Well, I couldn't really tell what was happening but the dog and the wolf were preparing to attack but somehow things went wrong," she said shaking her head. "They weren't hurt. Its just Peter kept me too close for them to do anything without hurting me. You got hurt," she said looking to Severus.

"I see," he said quietly.

"But you live," she whispered.

"And you didn't?" Sirius asked.

"I don't know," she reluctantly admitted. "After Severus got knocked out the vision ended, but it's quite obvious that he is going to live,"

"No, it's not," Remus said trying to be sensible. "Think about it, if Snape's trying to save you and he is knocked unconscious, that's just so Peter can get to you first, there's no saying that he won't kill him afterwards,"

"Lupin's got a point," Sirius said.

"For once Sirius and I are in total agreement," Severus said solemnly. "That vision doesn't guarantee that any of us make it out of the shrieking shack alive,"

"Us? Shrieking shack?" Liliann questioned stifling a yawn.

"I'll explain when you wake up from the nap you're about to take," Severus said looking at her. "Go to sleep,"

Liliann wanted to protest but realized that she couldn't. The potion was in full affect now and it was too strong to fight. She lay back against the sofa and closed her eyes. Within seconds a look of serenity came over her worried face and she was sound asleep. The trio stood around the sofa, a feeling of exhaustion seizing them.

"I think I'm going to take her back to my quarters," Severus said. "I think we could all use some sleep."

"Are you two safe in your room?" Remus asked.

"Yes, as long as Petigrew thinks I'm on his side, he won't make a move. He's counting on me so I'll have to come up with some sort of plan,"

"We'll come up with a plan. Remus and I are with you on this one," Sirius reminded him. "The vision said so. As much as we hate each other, we're going to have to cooperate if we want to keep her alive."

"Agreed." Severus said. "We should probably get together soon to discuss this," he said.

"Tomorrow afternoon." Remus declared. "It gives us all time to rest and think,"

"Tomorrow afternoon it is," Severus said hoisting the duffle bag onto his shoulder once more and lifting Liliann gently off of the sofa and turning toward the door.

"Why don't you use the fireplace?" Remus suggested. "Then I'll know you haven't fallen down the stairs or something." Severus nodded in agreement and Remus found his floo powder. Severus took a pinch of powder, threw it into the fire, and spoke his destination. He then walked through it with Liliann in his arms.

Once he had reached his quarters he tucked her into bed and placed the duffle bag near the bathroom door.

"What are we going to do?" he said aloud walking over to the glass doors to look outside. He could see her reflection in the glass. She slept peacefully and he couldn't help but smile as he gazed upon her. She meant more to him than even his own life. Realizing that attempting to solve his dilemma would be pointless he trudged over to his bed and crawled into it, snuggling up to Liliann and instantly falling asleep.

* * * * *

Chapter Thirty-Six:

Liliann opened her eyes and blinked. The sun was shining in through the glass doors and directly onto her face. She rolled over and realized that she was alone. Alarmed she jumped out of bed and ran to the living room to find Severus, Sirius, and Remus talking quietly about the night before. When she appeared in the doorway all three of them stood up and looked at her.

"Good morning," she said, "you three look as if you've been busy,"

Severus walked over to her and led her to the nearest armchair. She sat down and looked intently at him. He then returned to his seat and Sirius and Remus sat back down as well. They all wore grave expressions on their tired faces and Liliann was worried.

"What's the matter?" she said afraid of what they were about to say.

"Well, we think we've come up with a plan," Sirius began hesitantly looking from Remus to Severus. "But it's extremely dangerous and to be honest it leaves a lot of room for mistakes to happen,"

"I see," she said cautiously. "What is it?"

"Well, Severus is going to deliver you to Petigrew," Remus began.

"What!!!" Liliann shrieked unable to believe her ears. "You're just going to give me to him? Are you fucking crazy?!"

"Liliann, calm down and let us explain," Severus said in a shaky voice. "We all know that I would not just give you to him."

Liliann sat back in the seat and gritted her teeth. Sirius looked to her and continued. "Remus and I are going with you," he said, "but not as ourselves. I can transform into a dog and Halloween is a full moon. Instead of us, you'll have a dog and a wolf," Sirius explained.

"How exactly do you expect to command a wolf?" Liliann demanded.

"I've been giving him a potion for some time now, he's a full grown wolf with the mind of a full grown man," Severus said. Liliann nodded.

"Basically Snape's going to make it look like he's going to let Peter kill you but at the last minute he's going to get Peter. Remus and I will be there, but invisible to Peter and hopefully things will go our way,"

"Just like in the vision." Liliann muttered. "Then he gets knocked unconscious and I get killed, great plan genius,"

"Liliann you are not going to die!" Severus said raising his voice. "Damn it why won't you just trust us?"

Everyone looked at Severus in shock. He had always been very quiet and reserved. No one had seen him raise his voice as he had just done. Liliann's eyes were wide and trained on him as if she expected him to strike her.

"I...I...I'm s-s-sorry," she stammered. "Continue,"

"I'm going to give you a potion just before we leave," Severus said resuming his usual quiet nature, "it will help ease any pain if you should get hit with any type of curse, especially the Cruciatus curse and it will make you appear to be dead if he should take the direct approach. The only problem is that this potion kicks in after having been cursed three times."

"S-so what you're telling me is, if he curses me three times I'll fall to the ground and appear dead? How long does it take to wear off?"

"Until I give you the antidote," Severus said.

"What if something should happen to you?" she asked.

"If anything should happen to me both Remus and Sirius have access to the antidote. Their main priority is you."

"If you die, I'm going with you," she said quietly.

The room took on an eerie quietness as Liliann sat back in her chair and looked at Severus. Remus and Sirius were not quite sure how to react especially to Liliann's final statement. Severus glanced at the fireplace trying to hold back tears.

"What happens if I never take the antidote?" she asked quietly.

"Then you never wake up," Severus said. "Your mind will still be alive, but your body will be dead. It will be as if you were trapped in a cement suit. You will not move, you will not make a noise, you will go mad,"

"Are you going to do anything to protect yourself?" she asked looking to the trio of men whom so desperately wanted to protect her.

"We are all taking the potion Lily," Sirius said.

"So what if I'm the only one who makes it out?" she said.

"There will be a bottle of the antidote in your quarters," Severus informed her. "There will be a bottle in each of our quarters,"

"I see," she said. "Well, I guess there's not really anything else we can do," she said tears forming in her eyes. "Let's just hope it works," tears began to run down her face and she looked down at her lap hoping that they would not notice. Severus walked over to her and sat on the arm of the chair. He put his arm around her and she continued to cry. Sirius and Remus wanted time to discuss the situation alone and they decided that Liliann and Severus needed some time alone as well.

"We are going to go," Remus said standing up.

"Unless you need anything," Sirius added also standing.

"No, I think we will be fine, thank you." Severus said looking at them and nodding. They left and the only sound in the room was Liliann's quiet sobs. Severus could not bear to see her cry any longer and he felt a sense of panic. He retreated to his bedchamber leaving her to sit alone in the living room.

Liliann sat alone in Severus' living room trying to stop the tears. She had promised herself that she would not cry but that promise had been broken the moment she realized that she was placing three people she cared for in danger. She realized that Severus was running away from her and trying to hide it. Finally she stopped crying and decided it was time to have a very long talk with Severus Snape.

* * * * *

Chapter Thirty-Seven:

She entered the room to find his back to her. Once again he was standing at the glass doors looking outside. She paused wondering if anything she said would get through to him or if he was already frozen.

"Severus?" she said walking toward him. "What's wrong?"

He turned to her and pasted a smile upon his face. "Nothing's wrong," he said.

"Now whose getting cold?" she asked him. "The look in your eyes tells me I'm wasting my breath,"

"Liliann I..." he began.

"You what?" she asked quietly. "You can not bear the thought of me getting hurt or worse, me getting killed so rather than letting me in you block me out. You are doing to me what I wanted to do to you."

Severus found himself unable to speak so he nodded numbly. He wanted to go to her, to hold her in his arms, to tell her how much she meant to him, but he would not let himself. "I am a coward," he whispered finally.

"You're afraid?" she questioned. "You're afraid that this plan isn't going to work and you're going to wake up and I'll be dead,"

"Yes," he confessed in a forced whisper.

"Well, I'm afraid that one day I'm going to wake up and you will be dead," she said. "I...I...there's no way to describe the anxiety I feel just thinking about it," she said, "but you didn't let me push you away. You almost lost me last night because I'm scared. Please, don't run away from me because you're afraid. Please don't do this," she begged.

"It's so hard not to," he said walking toward her. "I don't want to shut you out,"

"Then don't." she said wrapping him in a hug. "You are not a coward, you're just...overly cautious," she told him. He hugged her tightly not wanting to let her go.

"I'm sorry for putting you through this," he whispered.

"I forgive you," she said kissing his cheek.

"I have an idea," Severus said letting go of her. "Get dressed, I will be right back," he said and he dashed out the door leaving a very confused Liliann standing in the middle of his bedchamber.

Shaking her head and laughing to herself, she went to the bathroom to get a shower.

* * * * *

Chapter Thirty-Eight:

After finishing her shower she pulled on her favorite purple bathrobe and walked into the bedchamber as she was tying it. She looked over to the bed and discovered a single red rose and a note lying on her pillow. Smiling she finished tying the robe and walked over to it. She picked up the note and it read:

Lily, I have gone into town and I shall return soon. Love, Severus.

She pondered over it wondering why on earth Severus would want to go to Hogsmeade alone. Shrugging she picked the rose up to smell it and was instantly transported to a small room in a tavern in Hogsmeade. She spun around unsure of where she was.

The room was beautiful. It was elegantly decorated and the ceiling had been enchanted to look like the night sky. She couldn't help but marvel over the bright stars and the beautiful moon. Orchestral music filled the air, as did the scent of lilacs and lavender. She smiled and turned to examine the rest of the room. A small table had been set up over in the far corner along with two chairs. On the table was an empty vase and candles that looked to be made of glitter. On one of the chairs was a box. Upon inspection Liliann discovered that her name was on the box. Placing the rose that had transported her to the room into the vase she opened the box to discover a beautiful black dress and a pair of knee high boots. She smiled.

"Do you like it?" she heard Severus say from behind her. He had walked in while she was examining the dress.

"Yes, very much," she said standing up and running over to him.

"Well, go put on your dress and then we shall have dinner," he said with a smile.

Without hesitation she took the dress and the shoes to the adjacent room and got dressed.

* * * * *

Dinner had been brought to the room shortly after Liliann had dressed. She sat in stunned silence as everything took place.

"How did you...I mean why...?" Liliann began too excited and overwhelmed to speak.

"I realized that you and I have not really had any time to do anything special, and after what we've both been through these past few weeks I wanted to do something for you," he said. "Something to show you how much I do love you,"

Liliann was speechless. She found herself going over the room once more, examining everything and being overwhelmed with happiness.

"You did all this, just because you could?" she asked. He nodded.

After they had finished dinner Severus pulled a somewhat large box from underneath the table. He rose from his seat and walked over to Liliann, handing her the box.

"Happy birthday," he said.

"But it's not my birthday," she said smiling,

"Um...Happy Valentines day?" he said jokingly.

"No...that's not until February,"

"Merry Christmas?"

"Nope," she said giggling.

"Um...holiday not included," he said with a grin. She laughed and almost dropped the box. When she did this she realized that the box was moving.

"What's in this box?" she asked.

"Well, if you open it, you'll find out," Severus said a twinkle in his eyes.

Liliann carefully untied the ribbon that held the box closed. As soon as she had removed the lid a small white kitten poked its head over the edge of the box and meowed at her.

"You bought me a kitten!" she said. She carefully lifted the small cat from its box and cuddled it against her face. "Oh, he's beautiful," she said.

"Actually, it's a she," Severus told her. "I remember you telling me you had a cat once, I thought you might like another one,"

Liliann wrapped Severus in a hug with the kitten perched on her lap meowing loudly. She kissed him quickly and then returned her attention to the kitten.

"Severus, what should we call her?" she asked.

"I hadn't thought about it," Severus admitted. "I figured the naming could be up to you."

Liliann nodded and placed the kitten on the floor. The kitten began to walk hesitantly around the room as if inspecting it.

"What are..." Severus began but Liliann lovingly placed her finger over his mouth to quiet him. He watched Liliann as she watched the kitten inspect the room. Soon the kitten had gotten bored and returned to Liliann and Severus. It wrapped itself around Severus' ankle and then around Liliann's. Discovering the ribbon that had been used to tie his box shut the kitten began to play with it.

"Her name is Violet," Liliann declared. Severus looked at her in question.

"Violet?" he asked. "Where did that come from?"

"Well, she started playing with the ribbon from the box," she explained. "The ribbon is purple so I decided Violet,"

Severus kissed Liliann on the end of her nose. "You are silly," she giggled and scrunched up her nose. Severus hoisted the kitten off of the floor and handed her back to Liliann who rubbed her nose against the kitten's nose.

"Your name is Violet," she said to the kitten. Violet meowed in reply. Liliann sat Violet on her lap and began to pet her. Within seconds Violet lay purring contently on Liliann's lap.

Severus sat on the floor beside her, his head resting on her knee. She ran her fingers through his hair.

"Thank you Severus," she told him. "I love you,"

"And I you," he replied standing up. Gently so as not to wake the now sleeping kitten, Severus placed Violet back in her box and picked Liliann up from her chair. He carried her over to a large bed that was in the far corner of the room and they lay there together looking up at the enchanted ceiling.

"I love the stars," Liliann said gazing up at them. "Shouldn't we return to Hogwarts, everyone will be looking for us,"

"You worry too much," Severus said. "I told Dumbledore what I was up to, so it is okay. Just relax." He said leaning over and kissing her. After the kiss had ended Liliann sighed in content and realized that for the first time in her life she was actually happy.

* * * * *

Chapter Thirty-Nine:

For Liliann the next morning arrived too soon.

"I don't want it to be Sunday," she wined.

"I know," Severus said as they had breakfast. He leaned across the table and kissed her. A small noise from the floor made them remember Violet.

"Good morning Violet," Liliann said hoisting the kitten onto her lap. She patted her head gently and the kitten meowed loudly. Severus handed her a small bowl and poured some milk into it. Liliann placed Violet onto the table and the kitten began to lap up the milk while Liliann continued to pet her.

"She's a beautiful kitten Severus," Liliann said.

"I'm glad you like her," he said with a smile. They talked quietly neither one of them wanting to leave. Unfortunately they had to leave. Liliann held Violet tightly as Severus wrapped his arm around her waist. He picked up the rose and instantly all three of them were transported back to Severus' quarters. Liliann placed Violet onto the floor and she took a few cautious steps forward looking around. The kitten then scampered off into the living room. Liliann sighed deeply. How she wished that she and Severus could have stayed in Hogsmeade.

"I hope we get a chance to do that again," she said to Severus.

"We will," he assured her.

"This week is going to be hell," Liliann said. "I can feel it,"

"Try to relax, I promise you that you'll get out of this alive,"

Liliann wrapped her arms around Severus and buried her head in his robes. Is that a promise you can keep? She wondered.

* * * * *

Chapter Thirty-Nine:

The week before Halloween passed by feverishly and the students could not wait for the Halloween feast. When Friday arrived everyone had become a bundle of anticipation. Dumbledore had told the students that Draco had run away and everyone but Harry and his friends was satisfied with the explanation of Draco's mysterious disappearance.

"Do you really think Draco just up and ran away?" he asked Ron while they were sitting in the Gryffindor commons room working on Divinations homework.

"I don't know Harry," Ron said, "what does it matter? He's not here,"

"Yes, and why would Professor Dumbledore lie to us?" Hermione questioned.

"To keep us safe," Neville replied.

"Safe from what?" Hermione challenged.

"I don't know," Neville said.

"Neville's got a point though, I think something else is going on here," Harry said.

"It has to do with Professor Nightshade," Neville said quietly. Everyone looked at him questioningly.

"What?" Ron asked.

Neville pulled a large black book from his backpack and laid it upon the table. "I found this outside," he explained. "It's got pictures in it," he said opening the book. Harry gasped at what he saw. It contained pictures of Peter Petigrew and a woman that looked just like Professor Nightshade.

"It can't be," Ron said. Read the inscription. "Peter Petigrew and his fiancée Aryana Toscani," Ron pointed out. "Not Liliann Nightshade,"

"I know, but look at these," he said flipping to the last two pages of the book. Harry leaned over and read the inscription aloud. "Professor Severus Snape and Professor Aryana Toscani," he choked. The students looked at each picture in shock. They were pictures of Liliann and Severus and a few of them had been taken from inside the school. Harry felt sick.

"Look, one space has been left empty," Hermione pointed out. "But it already has a caption. 'Severus Snape and Aryana Toscani, dead at last,'" Hermione read.

"I'm taking this to Professor Nightshade," Neville said rising from his seat. Harry, Ron, and Hermione were right behind him.

* * * * *

Sirius and Remus were walking toward the Great Hall for lunch when Neville came running toward them with Harry, Ron, and Hermione right behind him.

"Whoa, whoa," Sirius said looking at the students. "Where are you four off to in such a rush?"

"We need to find Professor Nightshade," Neville said urgently. "I have something I must show her," he said showing them the black book.

"Why don't you let me see it?" Remus asked as he gently plucked the book from Neville's hand. He opened it to discover that it was a photo album. He tried to hide the look of shock and fear that his face reflected when he realized what the pictures contained but to no avail.

"Look at the last two pages," Neville said quietly. Remus flipped to the back of the album and almost dropped the book. Sirius glanced over and gasped.

"We need to find Lily," Sirius said.

"I think we should let them take it to her," Remus said. "After all, they found it and she'll want to thank them."

"That among other things." Sirius said pointing to the name Peter had written in the book.

"Come on you four, Let's go find Professor Nightshade," Remus said ushering the students in the direction of Severus Snape's quarters.

* * * * *

Chapter Forty:

Liliann was seated on the floor in front of the fireplace playing with Violet when she heard a knock on the door. Severus closed the book he had been reading and hopped up from his seat.

"I'll get it," he said but realized that Violet was right on his heels. Liliann giggled and rose from the floor to follow him to the door. He opened it to reveal a very solemn looking Sirius, a worried Remus, and four bewildered students.

"Yes?" Severus said as Liliann appeared behind him. Violet sat on Severus' foot and meowed at the new arrivals. Hermione looked down.

"You've got a kitten!" She exclaimed.

"You can hold her," Liliann offered scooping Violet off of the floor and handing her to Hermione.

"What's going on?" Severus asked. He noticed that Neville was holding a large black book and looked as if he were about to fall over.

"Neville here found something that I think you two should see," Remus said giving Neville a gentle shove.

"Why don't you all come in?" Liliann said glancing at Severus who nodded. The group entered and Liliann led Hermione away to a spot on the floor so she could play with Violet. Ron followed close behind her but Harry stood beside Neville, unmoving.

"What should we see?" Liliann inquired when she returned to Severus' side.

Neville handed her the book and looked down. She opened it and dropped it to the floor when she saw the first picture. She began to tremble and Neville retrieved the book from the floor, handing it to Severus.

"I found it outside, near one of the greenhouses," he explained. Neville took a few steps back bumping into Sirius.

"Let's go sit down," Remus suggested taking Liliann by the arm and leading her toward the living room. Neville was right behind him followed by Sirius. Severus was standing in the doorway looking at the pictures in the book.

Harry looked at Liliann intently. How scared she looked. He had so many questions to ask her. Had she too be a part of his parents' death? Did Professor Snape know who she really was? Had she done something to Draco? Was she here to hurt him? Dozens of questions flooded his mind.

Neville watched Severus flip through the photo album. The pictures in the front were not really important. He looked helplessly to Remus who understood and decided to give Neville a hand.

"Flip right to the back," he told Severus. Severus looked at him somewhat confused but did as instructed. When he saw the pictures of himself and Liliann his stomach turned. He looked to Liliann who was trembling almost uncontrollably on the sofa beside Sirius. When he caught sight of the picture less caption at the bottom of the last page he gasped.

"He plans on killing us both," Severus whispered. Ron and Hermione were pretending to play with Violet but stopped at Severus' statement.

"Who plans on killing you?" Harry asked. He could contain his questions no longer. He whirled around looking at Liliann. "Who are you? What are you doing here?" Liliann looked at him too stunned to answer. Tears began to run down her cheeks and for some reason this infuriated Harry. "Ever since you got here bad things have happened. You know Peter Petigrew! Did you help kill my parents? Did you protect him? Are you hiding him somewhere? You're here to kill me aren't you?" he demanded.

Sirius stood up and put a hand on Harry's shoulder. Harry shrugged it off and looked at Liliann anger flashing in his emerald eyes. She just looked at him; tears flowing freely down her cheeks, unable to answer.

"That's enough!" Severus bellowed at Harry. "You are completely out of line,"

"Oh shut up Professor Snape," Harry snapped. "I'm not afraid of you,"

Everyone looked at Harry in shock. Had he really just told Professor Severus Snape to shut up? Things were getting completely out of hand and Remus and Sirius knew it.

"Harry, sit down and let her explain," Sirius commanded. Harry glared at him and sat in the armchair farthest from Liliann. "She's not saying much," Harry commented.

"Harry, Liliann is not here to hurt anyone," Remus began after looking at Liliann. She was sobbing on Severus' shoulder and Severus was glaring at Harry. Neville was seated on the floor between the sofa and armchair and could feel the tension.

"How do you know that?" Harry demanded.

"Because Peter wants to kill her," Severus snapped. "Had you looked through the album you would have discovered he has referred to her as a traitor,"

Harry looked stunned. He looked over to Liliann who had finally stopped crying. She looked over at him with sorrow in her eyes.

"I was engaged to him," she said quietly. "When I discovered he was evil I went to America to hide. He tried to kill me before I left," she said.

"Oh." Harry said. Neville looked at Liliann and felt sorry for her. He rose from his seat on the floor, walked over to her and gave her a hug.

"We knew you didn't want to hurt us," he assured her. He sat down on the floor beside her while everyone else in the room looked at him in shock.

"I'm not responsible for James and Lily's death," Liliann said. "I would have given my own life to stop him, had I known,"

Harry began to cry now, confusion and anger running through him. "Then why are you here?" he sobbed. Sirius went over to him and hugged him, rocking him back and forth while he cried.

"I came back to help catch him," Liliann said. "I figured if I came back he would come after me, to finish what he started."

"Then why didn't you just come back as Aryana?" Hermione piped up.

"Because he wouldn't look for Aryana," Liliann explained. "I knew he'd look for a Nightshade,"

"How?" Severus asked quite shocked.

"Nightshade was my mother's maiden name. I had talked about changing from Toscani to Nightshade while he and I were together," she revealed. "And Liliann was my middle name,"

"Looks like we've all been surprised," Severus said feeling betrayed. Why had she not told him? Remus looked to Severus and realized that things were going from bad to worse.

"What are we going to do about them?" Sirius said pointing at Harry and the rest of the gang.

"Nothing," Severus snapped. "They are always meddling in things that they ought not to be, and secrets can not be kept in this school. Just send them on their merry way,"

Liliann looked at Severus in surprise. "They only meant to help," she said quietly. "I think that they did the right thing by bringing us the book." She looked helplessly to Harry. "And he deserves to know everything we can tell him," she added. "He has lost more than enough."

"I'm taking seventy five points from Gryffindor," Severus said. "Seventy five points each."

"What!" the entire room yelled in unison. Even Violet meowed in protest.

"Severus that's ridiculous!" Liliann announced. "They do not deserve to be punished because you're pissed off at me! One hundred points each for Gryffindor," she said challenging him. "And you take any more and I'll triple whatever you take. You act as if you have never made a mistake. If you are angry with me, take it out on me,"

Sirius and Remus knew not how to react to this situation. Liliann glared angrily at Severus, her eyes changing colors from the bright hazel they had been to a deep black.

"Maybe I will take it out on you," Severus said. "After all, I am evil too. I can't be trusted. How could you possibly trust me?" He said spitefully. Liliann gasped at his words. "You have got to be the biggest disappointment I have ever wasted my time on," Severus added. Liliann stood glued to her spot and stared numbly at the floor.

"Come on kiddies," Remus said, "Let's go,"

Hermione rose with a screaming Violet in her arms and handed her to Liliann. Harry and Ron rose as well, walking toward the door behind Remus. Neville abandoned his seat but rather than turn to leave he walked over to Liliann and took her by the hand. He pulled her toward the door and she followed numbly taking Violet with her. Remus and the small group that followed walked out the door leaving Sirius and Severus standing in the living room.

* * * * *

Chapter Forty-One:

Severus was furious. He had done everything in his power to control his anger with the children in the room and as soon as they had left he walked over to the mantle and pushed everything to the floor. Pictures, a vase, and all the candles hit the floor and glass shattered. Anything that had not broken Severus kicked into the fireplace.

"I think you need to calm down," Sirius said quietly. Severus whirled around and glared at him. "I don't care what you think. What are you still doing here?" he demanded. "Why don't you go follow your god son and his group of lackeys so they can put their noses in other people's business?"

This statement infuriated Sirius. Before he knew what he was doing he walked over to Severus and punched him. Severus fell to the ground with a now broken nose.

"There, maybe that damn crocked nose of yours can get fixed and you'll learn that we don't have to take your shit Severus. Your problem is you think we have to take your abuse because you're aristocratic. Well I don't know about the rest of the staff but I'm not going to take your aristocratic bullshit anymore. Not everyone's out to get you, the light at the end of the tunnel is not an on coming train. You really are an emotionless bastard." Sirius declared. Severus stood up, his nose bleeding, anger in his eyes. He looked as if he were going to say something.

"Say one more word and I'll hit you so damn hard it will make your ancestors dizzy," Sirius said menacingly. Sirius stood ready to deliver another painful strike but then put his hands to his side. "You need to be put in your place and damn it I'll do it quickly. You're not worth the energy," he said and he turned and strode toward the door. "Oh, and one more thing. Stay away from Liliann, you've hurt her enough," with that statement made Sirius left.

Severus stood motionless, clutching his bloody and broken nose. He had no choice but to go to the infirmary. Angry, upset, and frazzled, Severus Snape pushed his pride aside and reluctantly walked to the infirmary.

* * * * *

Chapter Forty-Two:

Neville guided Liliann down the hallway behind Remus, Harry, Ron, and Hermione. Violet was traipsing beside them, trying to keep up with Hermione. Liliann was not sure of where she was being lead to but she didn't care. It was the night before Halloween and her life was falling apart. Remus was unsure of what to do. He wanted to talk to the students to be sure that they understood what was going on and he wanted to talk to Liliann to be sure that she was okay. He decided the best place for them to go would be his quarters.

"How would you all like to come to my quarters for some hot chocolate?" he asked them. "Then we can talk, and you can ask questions," He stopped in the hall at the base of the stairs waiting for a response. Everyone looked at him blankly until Violet meowed. She had wrapped herself around Remus' ankle and meowed in agreement. Hermione scooped her up and nuzzled her.

"I think that's a good idea," Hermione said. All of the other students agreed and then looked to Liliann who had not said a word. Neville spoke for her.

"She'll come along," he said quietly. Remus smiled at Neville and led them to his quarters.

* * * * *

When they entered Remus' living room Neville led Liliann to an armchair and she sat. She stared blankly at the floor and Remus was unsure of how to help her.

"Would you all like hot chocolate?" he asked the students. They murmured a response and he turned to go into the kitchen. Hermione and Ron sat on the floor playing with the kitten and Neville sat on the floor beside Liliann. Harry followed Remus into the kitchen.

As soon as the kitchen door was securely closed Harry began to cry. This caught Remus by surprise and he almost dropped the hot chocolate mix.

"Harry what's wrong?" He asked rushing over to him and wrapping him in a hug.

"I...I don't know," he sniffled. "Part of me wants to hate her so much but most of me wants to give her a hug and tell her that it will be okay," he looked to Remus confusion in his eyes. "I feel so lost,"

"Harry it's okay for you to feel this way." Remus assured him. "The only thing I ask is that you hold nothing against her."

Harry nodded in agreement and wiped his eyes. "She didn't do anything to me," Harry said matter-of-factly. The kitchen door creaked open and Neville stuck his head in.

"Come in Neville," Remus said. He realized by the look on Neville's face that he was upset and worried about Liliann.

"What's wrong with her?" he asked quietly. "She's just sitting there,"

"Well," Remus began carefully, "She has been through a great deal. Tomorrow is going to be very scary for her and with all this happening I think she may be going into a sort of coma state," Remus said. "And I don't think I can help her,"

Neville looked at Remus and anger flashed across his face. "Professor Snape is so evil. Why is he so mad at her? Didn't he ever think that she was just trying to protect him?" Neville demanded. "He doesn't deserve her." Having said that Neville turned on his heels and left the kitchen.

"I think I'm going to go out into the living room, maybe we can get her to talk," Harry said turning to leave. Remus sighed deeply and shook his head. This couldn't have waited until next week. He thought to himself. She probably wants to die right now.

Deciding that the muggle way was too slow for him he warmed the milk with his wand and mixed the hot chocolate. He found a small tray in the cupboard and placed the six hot chocolates onto it. Upon entering the room he found that everyone was looking worriedly at Liliann. Even Violet looked concerned, her head tilted to one side as if studying her. How the hell can we fix this in one day? Remus asked himself.

* * * * *

Chapter Forty-Two:

Liliann sat numbly in the chair that Neville had led her to. She realized that she was in Remus' quarters. She felt helpless, useless, and worst of all she felt as if she had betrayed everyone that cared for her. Severus had said she was a disappointment and that he had wasted his time on her. Did he really feel that way? She wanted to cry but could not. She felt cold and alone despite the fact that all of the students and Remus were looking at her with worry and fear in their eyes. She wanted tell them that she was fine but the words would not come. Part of her wanted to leave the room and find Peter. To tell him to please kill her, she didn't deserve to live. She looked at the floor and saw Violet sitting there looking at her quizzically, as if she too understood what was going on. How she wished she could just disappear.

"Liliann," Remus said slowly and deliberately, "Would you like your hot chocolate?"

She wanted to tell him no, she wanted to shake her head but she could not. She just sat in the chair, unmoving. She hadn't even blinked. Sirius entered the room, and Remus stood rushing over to him. She could hear everything they were saying but she couldn't respond.

"This is bad Sirius," he said when he reached him.

"Well, We've had bad before," Sirius said.

"This is worse,"

"Why do you say that?" Sirius inquired.

"She's not moving at all. She not blinking, she's not responding to anything."

"I wonder if she'd respond if she knew that Snape's in the infirmary with a broken nose," Sirius said in an irritated tone.

When Liliann heard this she cringed. The conversation continued and Liliann continued to listen.

"Please tell me you didn't," Remus said pleadingly.

"Okay, I'll tell you I didn't, but I'd be lying," Sirius said. "I couldn't help myself, he needed it,"

"Can this get any worse?" Remus said.

Liliann felt her voice begin to work again along with the rest of her body.

"Yes it can get worse," she whispered. Neville, Ron, Hermione, and Harry looked at her in shock. She had spoken.

"She said something!" they all said in unison. Sirius and Remus ran to the chair looking at her closely.

"It is going to get a lot worse," she whispered. She looked to Sirius. "What did he do to make you hit him?"

"Everything. Talking to you the way he did, flipping out on them, and when you left he destroyed everything on the mantle," Sirius informed her. "He needed to be punched,"

"He needs something else too," Liliann said standing. Everyone stood with her.

"Where are you going?" Remus asked.

"The infirmary." She told him. "I have to do this now, or I'll back out of it later." She said and with that she left. Neville followed closely behind her, as did the rest of the group. They were about to get the show of a lifetime.

* * * * *

Chapter Forty-Three:

Severus sat in the infirmary his nose tingling. Madam Pomfrey had finally fixed it and it was just as crocked as before. His head hurt, as did his hand. On the way to the infirmary he had punched one of the walls breaking a knuckle in the process. Madam Pomfrey fixed it without question and walked away.

Can this get any worse, he asked himself as he turned to leave. He noticed Liliann walking toward him with Sirius, Remus, Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Neville all behind her. I guess it can.

Liliann walked up to him, grabbed the necklace he had given her, and yanked it off of her neck. She threw it down at his feet, the glass lily in the dragon's claws shattering.

"You can take your necklace, and everything else and you can go to hell Severus Snape," she said. "I can't deal with you and your temper tantrums. I didn't tell you about my name because you never asked and it never occurred to me that you would get so angry about it. Pardon me all to hell for being human. I forgot, you don't make mistakes. You're perfect. I'm the only person around here that manages to screw up. I'm sorry you wasted so much time on a disappointment like me," she said and she turned to leave.

The entourage that had followed her stood in the doorway of the infirmary, shocked at what had just taken place, awaiting a reaction from Severus. He bent down slowly and removed the necklace from the floor. He stared at it numbly wondering what he should do. He watched her leave the infirmary still unsure of what his reaction should have been. Neville took a cautious step forward and noticed the glass on the ground. He pulled his wand from the confines of his robes.

"Repairo," he said quietly, fixing the broken glass. He turned and left, as did the rest of the group. Unsure of what to do Severus Snape trudged back toward his quarters.